For most college students, snacks are a food group that is oftentimes necessary for daily functioning. On those fast-paced days that move in slow motion, classes and extracurriculars might take precedence over eating a meal with substance. This makes food that comes in vacuum-sealed bags a premium option.
The snack world is ever-growing, and now there are categories splitting up healthy and not-so-healthy snacks. At the end of the day, it’s all about what gives you the boost of energy you need to power through.
We checked in with six influencers to see what quick snacks are trending in their lives right now, and to get a gauge into the ‘quick eats’ scene. Here’s a list of dorm room snacks that are must-haves for college students, according to these influencers.
Anything spicy, fizzy, & sweet.
As a college student on the go, influencer Tati B swears by her hot fries, Doritos, sour Skittles and a cold pop. In an alternate universe, hot chips with a carbonated drink and candy for dessert are a combo that sets up the perfect plate of nutritious food. A set up like this is balanced between salty and sweet, and Tati says, “It’s my go-to study or scroll snack.”
Granola bars and rainbow goldfish crackers for the win.
Not only are these options nostalgic from elementary school lunch box days, but they are also staples. This duo is influencer Sarah Frank’s favorite, and they can be quick and satisfying snacks on days when you need fuel.
Crunchy, cheesy, and a library essential.
Cheez-Its aren’t just tiny squares that are delicious, they’re the perfect bite-sized snack to toss in your bag to take to the library. Influencer Chloe Hutchinson likes the extra toasty Cheez-Its and said, “It’s perfect to take to the library!”
Instant soup with seaweed snacks, please.
“It’s cozy, fast, and reminds me of home,” influencer Wendy Ly said. Seeing influencer Ly teaching the internet how to reheat their Pho properly honed into her being a soup enthusiast. Whether it’s a broth base soup or Buldak (for spice lovers), sticking to one-pot staples can be a good strategy if you’re looking for something quick and warm to make. Plus, there’s no mess to clean up if you have the instant disposable containers that you just add water to and put into the microwave.
Go-Go-Squeezes are the go-to.
Upgrading from being mainly in cups to applesauce in squeezable containers changed the game of easy snacking. As her mini fridge staple, influencer Makayla Lysiak said, “I keep go-go-squeeze applesauce in my college mini fridge for whenever I’m craving something light and sweet.”
An apple a day keeps the munchies away.
Influencer Trinity Aniyah prefers a bowl of fresh fruit. More specifically, apples. Snacking in this way, Aniyah says, “Kept me energized and refreshed during long days.” Sticking to fruits and veggies with hummus is a great way to snack without the guilt.